My internship experience proved to be a rewarding and fascinating opportunity.  Learning about governmental structure, practicing my academic knowledge and applying networking skills will only help my future endeavors.  I am pleased how the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) made an extraordinary effort in helping me accomplish my learning objectives.  I acquired a better understanding of organizational knowledge by participating in the HACU internship program.  I have enjoyed not only meeting, but learning leadership skills from VBA directors, supervisors and employees who are committed to their missions.  Each employee works passionately to fulfill the VA mission of serving of veterans’ needs.  Simultaneously, I discovered the integrity with which the VBA handles the organizational process once a veteran files a claim.  VBA represents an interesting yet dynamic organization.  In order for VBA to accomplish its functions, each employee must pursue the goal of helping America’s veterans. 

I am delighted that the VBA Director of the Cleveland Regional office opened his doors and let me spend time with his immediate staff members to experience the day-to-day activities at the Cleveland Regional Office.  I am also pleased that he dedicated his time to explain to me important aspects of this organization.  In addition, it was a pleasure working directly for The Tiger Team.  The Tiger Team is the only team in the United States that has a unique mission.   Its mission serves to process claims for veterans who are over 70 years of age.  Personally, I received approximately 800 claims, shipped 1,500, and tracked 700 other claims.  I feel satisfied that I could  participate in this unique American mission.  The opportunity to process this aspect of veterans’ claims was very beneficial in my learning experience. 

I became familiar with the VA organization throughout  my departmental exposure.  I liked spending time understanding the VBA budget and how it is distributed to each business line.  At the Veterans Services Center Department (VSC), I grasped general aspects of the development process of a claim.   Likewise, now I understand the hiring and disciplinary processes in the Human Resources Department.   In addition, I attended supervisory and personnel training sessions. 

In the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Department (VR&E) I visited the Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMC), and the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) where I interviewed veterans who benefit from the program.  I met contractors who support the VR&E counseling program.  I was taught that some of the goals of this program are to provide resources to American veterans to rehabilitate them and integrate them into society.

The Support Service Department introduced me to some parts of its operations, such as Information Technology (IT), Publications, and Finance Services.   I observed how the mail room processed 30,000 pieces of out-going mail and 60,500 in-coming mail a month only for VBA Cleveland Regional office.   I was impressed to see how the Support Services Department functions with contractors who provide services to VA. 

I was fascinated by the automated system utilized by the Loan Guaranty Department (LG).  The LG automated system not only reduces the processing time, but also gives more authority to lenders to approve and guarantee veterans’ loans.   This department is challenged with the fact that it has to monitor and compete with lenders in the market.  I was relieved to know that the LG department is also responsible for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program that benefits veterans with a higher rate of disability. 

My thanks to HACU, VA and VBA for a remarkable internship.  I will always treasure this opportunity.- Elba Alicia Simpson, Masters in Public Administration Candidate, SUNY Brockport. 2005 summer intern— Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Elba Simpson
Internship at Department of Veterans Affairs
From 6/8/2005 to 8/13/2005

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